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18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be Inaugurated by PM Modi on 9th January

Bhubaneswar, Odisha | January 8, 2025: (S.S.Dogra-Bureau Chief-Delhi for Himalini Magazine, Nepal) The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, a key Government of India event connecting the Indian diaspora, will be held in Bhubaneswar from January 8-10, 2025. The theme is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.” Over 50 countries are represented by a large number of diaspora members.
The convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2025, with a virtual address by the Chief Guest, H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago. During the event, PM Modi will also remotely flag off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the diaspora, under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
The event will feature four key exhibitions:
1. Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana
2. Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat
3. Spread and Evolution of Indian Diaspora (focused on Gujarat to Muscat migration)
4. Heritage and Culture of Odisha
On January 10, President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the Valedictory Session and present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA), the highest honor for overseas Indians who have made significant contributions across various fields.
The convention will also feature five plenary sessions, including discussions on diaspora youth leadership, migrant skills, sustainable development, women’s leadership, and cultural connections.
The 18th PBD Convention is significant as it marks the first time the event is being held in Odisha, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Previous conventions were hosted in Indore (2023) and other locations across India.
The convention will be streamed live on the official PBD website and YouTube.
For more information, visit:
www.pbdindia.gov.in
MEA India YouTube Channel

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